Wave Hill – Sissinghurst: Navigating the Intersection of Artistry & Nature

Tri-State Events

Sponsored By: Wave Hill

WAVE HILL – SISSINGHURST: NAVIGATING THE INTERSECTION OF ARTISTRY AND NATURE

MAY 8, 2024
3:00–4:30PM

During his time as Head Gardener at Sissinghurst, Troy Scott Smith has been on a mission to rejuvenate the design intent of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson. His efforts thus far have resulted in a garden more authentic to the original, reviving the artistic spirit of its creators and unlocking a sense of place, rooted in the natural landscape and the seasons. In this illustrated lecture, Troy will take us on a journey from the original plan and plantings through decades of interventions to the current garden of today. He will discuss what he and his team are doing to preserve the heritage of Sissinghurst while addressing the pressing issues of climate crisis, biosecurity, and biodiversity. Lecture followed by a reception with light refreshments. Co-sponsored with Hollister House Garden. More information at: Wave Hill Lecture Series – Sissinghurst: Navigating the Intersection of Artistry and Nature

$50, including admission to the grounds. Wave Hill Members save 10%.

Registration required, online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251

Troy Scott Smith was born in Yorkshire into a family of committed naturalists and spent his childhood exploring the geology and flora of the National Parks of England. He began his gardening at a young age, quickly developing a style of relaxed planting that mixed native wildings together with exotics. Today his planting continues to ‘bend the rules’ and is a constant source of inspiration for thousands. In 1990, after a total of 5 years studying horticulture and design, Troy joined the National Trust, Europe’s largest Conservation Charity, with over 220 historic gardens spanning the entire range of garden styles and periods. In the years since Troy has led the gardens at The Courts, Bodnant and Sissinghurst, where he has been Head Gardener for the last 10 years. Troy now combines his work at Sissinghurst with a broader remit for the charity, including an advisory role at Munstead Wood, fundraising and considering the longer-term impact of visitation and climate change on historic gardens, as well as writing, teaching, lecturing, design, and consultancy. Troy has recently taken on a small farm back in his home county of Yorkshire, where he continues to gently experiment, laying down sustainable planting for the future.